Arellano University clinched the a championship berth after dethroning College of St. Benilde, 25-22, 28-26, 25-23, Tuesday in the 93rd NCAA men’s volleyball stepladder semifinals at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan. The Chiefs set up a best-of-three championship showdown against unbeaten University of Perpetual Help starting Friday. Christian dela Paz and Kevin Liberato combined for 27 points to help lift the Arellano U. Meanwhile, reigning titlist Perpetual Help downed Arellano U, 25-17, 20-25, 25-19, 25-17, to clinch the first finals berth in juniors’ play. Noel Michael Kampton led the way with 20 points including 15 on kills to help power the Junior Altas back into the best-of-three finale against the winner of the other Final Four match pitting Emilio Aguinaldo and Letran. The Las Pinas-based school is gunning a fourth straight crown and 11th overall, which would put it the second most titled team in NCAA high school volleyball behind Letran, which has a league-best 14 championships. The Squires, seeded fourth, spoiled a Perpetual-EAC title showdown, after it pulled off a shock 21-25, 25-20, 25-13, 25-13 win over the top-seeded Brigadiers to force a knockout duel for the last championship berth scheduled Friday. It was the second straight win of a do-or-die game for Letran, which also edged San Beda, 25-16, 24-26, 25-19, 20-25, 20-18, Friday to clinch the last spot to the Final Four. Christian Wilsan dela Cruz led a balanced attack with 15 hits while Mark Denver Omega, John Paulo Lorenzo and Mhel Gabuyo chipped in 13, 12 and 11 points, respectively, to help the Squires to snatch the win. EAC, which clinched the top seeding entering the Final Four, will have another chance to make a return trip to the finals as it hopes to stop Letran......»»

Defending two-time champion Arellano University started out flat and went through some scary moments in the fourth set against a very determined University of Perpetual Help before emerging still unscathed with an 18-25, 25-16, 25-19, 26-24, escape Thursday in the NCAA Season 94 women’s volleyball competition at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. The Lady Chiefs claimed their eighth straight win in as many outings to move within a victory away from advancing to the Finals outright. “’Yun talaga yung plano namin this season, talagang kumbaga mas maganda na ‘yung nakatuntong ka na sa Finals at mag-aabang ka na lang kung sino ang makakalaban mo,” said Arellano U coach Obet Javier, whose squad can automatically advance in the best-of-three championship with a win against San Beda University on Tuesday in their rematch of last year’s Finals. The Lady Chiefs' win also gave idle College of St. Benilde (6-1) a free ride into the semifinals. Last season’s rookie of the year Necole Ebuen shined the brightest for Arellano U with 16 points coming off 12 attacks and four kill blocks while Regine Arocha played an all-around game with 11 points, 16 digs and nine excellent receptions. Sarah Verutiao tallied 20 excellent sets to help the Lady Chiefs blast 40 attacks. Arellano U recovered from a set down to take the next two frames but faced a tough challenge from the Lady Altas in the fourth set. The Lady Chiefs squandered a 22-18 lead in the four set as they allowed Perpetual to crawl its way back into the game with a 5-1 rally to tie the frame at 23. Princess Bello, who had nine points, scored on an off the block hit but Jhona Rosal saved a match point for the Lady Altas with a kill block. Rosal committed an error on the next play and Cindy Imbo sent her attack straight to the net in Perpetual’s last of 40 miscues. The Lady Altas dropped to 4-3 mark tied with San Sebastian College. Imbo was the only Perpetual player in double figures with 13. Jenny Gaviola had nine while Jowie Albert Versoza finished with seven for the Lady Altas, who are now in a must-win situation in their last two assignments against SSC-R and Jose Rizal University to keep their semifinals hopes alive. Meanwhile, the Altas came back from a set down to beat the Chiefs, 19-25, 25-14, 25-20, 27-25, and clinch the first Final Four berth in a rematch of last year's Finals. Perpetual won its seventh straight win in as many outings to move within two victories away from an outright championship berth. Ronniel Rosales scored 19 points while Season 93 Rookie/Most Valuable Player Joebert Almodiel got 16 markers and 28 excellent receptions to pace the Altas, who sent Arellano U down to 6-2 slate. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»

With its primary goal of making it back in the Final Four accomplished, San Beda University now sets its sights on another pressing matter: prevent archrival Arellano University from sweeping the elimination round of the NCAA Season 94 women’s volleyball competition. The Lady Red Spikers joined unbeaten defending two-time champion Lady Chiefs in the semifinals after claiming their seventh win in eight games. Arellano U will face University of Perpetual Help on Thursday and if the Lady Chiefs hurdle the Lady Altas, it will now be up to San Beda to stop the grand slam-seeking squad from advancing outright into the Finals and prevent a dangerous knockout stepladder semifinals. The Season 93 Finals rematch is set on January 15. “Para sa amin importante (na matalo namin ang Arellano U) kasi mahirap na dadaan ka sa stepladder kung ma-sweep nila ang elimination, said San Beda coach Nemesio Gavino, who steered the Mendiola-based squad to its third straight semis appearance. If the Lady Chiefs succeed in sweeping the elims, the no. 2 team will take on the survivor between the no. 3 and no. 4 teams in the knockout stepladder semis format. A loss by San Beda to Arellano U will also put the Lady Red Spikers in a precarious position especially with College of St. Benilde very much in the running for the no. 2 spot. The Lady Blazers currently hold a 6-1 slate and are in a six-game winning romp. CSB’s last two assignments are against struggling San Sebastian College and also-ran Mapua University. “Mas maraming pagod ang pagdadaanan mo at mas maraming challenge (sa stepladder) kaya dapat maipanalo namin ang game against Arellano,” said Gavino. If San Beda beats Arellano U coupled by CSB dropping a match, the Lady Red Spikers will claim the Final Four twice-to-beat advantage. But in case of a tie at the no. 2 spot, there will be a playoff to determine who will be equipped with the last semis twice-to-beat advantage. “Sa susunod na game iisipin namin kung ano ang pwedeng mangyari kasi may natitira pang games sa mga kalaban ganoon din sa amin,” said Gavino. “Para sa amin ang goal namin ay matalo muna ang Arellano.” --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»

Defending champion Arellano University punched the first Final Four ticket after a quick work of winless Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-19, 25-11, 25-8, Monday in the NCAA Season 94 women’s volleyball competition at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. It took the Lady Chiefs only 63 minutes to notch their seventh win in as many outings to keep their tight hold of the lead and more importantly secure a spot in the semifinals. Despite coming off a long holiday break, Arellano U showed no signs of rust. Head coach Obet Javier had a chance to experiment with his rotation, giving all of his wards playing time. "Ni-remind ko lang yung mga bata kung ano yung target namin para sa game na ito. Siyempre, gusto naming itaas yung morale namin lalo," said Javier, whose squad advanced in their seventh straight semifinals apperance. Regine Arocha showed the kind of form expected from her in the Lady Chiefs final push in the elimination round as the hitter unleashed 14 points built on nine spikes, four aces and a kill block. Arocha, who struggled early in the season, added 11 digs. Last year’s rookie of the year Necole Ebuen got nine markers while Princess Bello finished with seven for Arellano U, who can march outright in the best-of-three Finals with wins over its last two games against University of Perpetual Help on Thursday and San Beda University on Tuesday. The Lady Chiefs handed the Lady Generals their eighth consecutive defeat. Jaylene Lumbo scored nine points for EAC, which will close the season on Friday against Lyceum of the Philippines University. Meanwhile, Arellano U secured at least a playoff for a Final Four spot in the men’s division after defeating EAC in five sets, 25-13, 25-18, 27-29, 16-25, 16-14, for a 6-1 slate at solo second spot. Christian Dela Paz led the Chiefs with 16 points while Kim Vincent Tan and Jesrael Liberato got 14 and 13 markers, respectively. Joshua Mina and Joshua Ramilo blasted 23 and 22 points, respectively, in a lost cause for the Generals, who fell to 5-3 card. In the juniors division, the Brigadiers upset the Braves, 25-14, 25-20, 25-19, to improve to 3-5 card. Arellano U slid to 4-3 slate. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»

Glorious victories, dynasties, historic feats, controversies and memorable moments once again highlighted another fruitful year for Philippine volleyball. Now, let us take a look back in the year that was in volleyball: DYNASTY Powerhouse teams continued to thrive in the country’s most popular collegiate leagues. Arellano University muscled its way back into the NCAA Season 93 Finals and met a newcomer in San Beda University. The Lady Chiefs did find the Lady Red Spikers as feisty opponents in their first championship meeting, needing five sets to survive San Beda in Game One. But it didn’t take long for Arellano U to stomp its class over the newbies to capture its second straight title and fourth overall crown in five years. De La Salle University painted UAAP Season 80 green after annexing its third straight title handing legendary head coach Ramil De Jesus his third grand slam in the country’s most popular and competitive collegiate league. Second year setter Michelle Cobb stepped up to the challenge of filling the big shoes left by Kim Fajardo and complemented the depth and firepower of DLSU. Far Eastern University, which advanced into the Finals for the first time after a decade, stood no chance against the onslaught of the Lady Spikers, which swept their way onto throne. University of Perpetual Help completed a four-peat in the NCAA juniors after sweeping Letran. Philippine Air Force snatched the Premier Volleyball League men’s Reinforced Conference crown and the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference title. Sisi Rondina cemented her legacy as the UAAP’s queen of the sands after completing a three-peat in women’s beach volleyball. Rondina wrapped her tour of duty with four titles in five years. The Tigers ruled the men’s division. YEAR OF THE UNDERDOGS San Beda University made great strides in NCAA Season 93 after earning its first-ever Finals appearance behind the efforts of Cesca Racraquin and twins Nieza and Jiezela Viray. The Lady Red Spikers closed the elims with an 8-1 win-loss record and took down Perpetual in the semis. Languishing at the bottom half of the standings since the return of its women’s volleyball program in 2008, Jose Rizal University made history by advancing into the Final Four. Shola Alvarez capped the Lady Bombers’ remarkable season by pocketing the Most Valuable Player award. Far Eastern University made it to the UAAP women’s volleyball Finals by booting out crowd-favorite Ateneo de Manila University in the semis. For the first time in five years, the Blue Eagles found themselves in a very difficult position in the Final Four. With a twice-to-win disadvantage, the Marck Espejo-led Ateneo shocked FEU – a team that beat them twice in the elims – to march to its fifth straight championship appearance. But the real underdog story belonged to NU. After three years of finishing runner-up to the Blue Eagles, the Bulldogs led by Bryan Bagunas finally got their long-awaited revenge as they swept Ateneo off its three-year reign at the throne. OFF COURT STORIES, CONTROVERSIES University of the East parted ways with head coach Francis Vicente midway in Season 80 after three and a half seasons with the Lady Warriors. Vicente left for ‘personal reasons’ with a UE coaching record of 2-45 (win-loss). Red Warriors head coach Sammy Acaylar also resigned from his post midway in the season. University of Sto. Tomas hitter EJ Laure after months of speculations to the real reason of her sitting out UAAP Season 80 broke her silence by saying that needed time to recover from her right shoulder injury to end all the rumors circulating including an alleged pregnancy. Sound bites, videos and clips that show collegiate players’ ‘human side’ made its rounds around social media that drew mixed reactions from fans. Just like in the previous years, controversy filled the formation of the national women’s volleyball team. Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. initially named Ramil De Jesus as the national team coach but just two months after his designation, the multi-titled DLSU mentor resigned from his post citing ‘conflict of schedule’. Shaq Delos Santos took over De Jesus’ spot. Netizens went abuzz when the composition of the national team that participated in the Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games was released as fans give their different views on who should and should not be included in the roster. LVPI named a new president in Peter Cayco of Arellano U to replace Joey Romasanta during the association’s election. WRITING HISTORY Smart’s Cuban import Gigi Silva carved a world scoring record in the Philippine Superliga after scoring 56 points in a lost cause against Cocolife in the 2018 Grand Prix. Silva pounded 53 kills and had three aces to land her name in the fourth spot in the women’s world scoring record behind Polina Rahimova of Azerbaijan’s 58 points in 2015 while playing in Japan, American Madison Kingdon’s 57 (2017 Korea Volleyball League) and Bulgarian Elitsa Vasileva’s 57 (2013 Korea Volleyball League). Silva also surpassed the 55 points of Americans Nicole Fawcett (2013 KVL) and Alaina Bergsma, who led Petron to the 2014 PSL Grand Prix crown, (2016 KVL). Not to be outdone, local volleyball star Marck Espejo had a 55-point explosion of his own in the Blue Eagles’ five-set Game 1 UAAP Final Four win over FEU. The five-time MVP pounded 47 attacks, had six kill blocks and two service aces for the Katipunan-based squad. Espejo scored 11 points in the deciding frame including Ateneo’s last four to seal the win in the match that lasted for two hours and 21 minutes. Espejo’s feat fueled Ateneo’s eventual semis series win over the twice-to-beat Tamaraws. Espejo and DLSU libero Dawn Macandili were named as the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s 2017 Mr. and Miss Volleyball. The Philippines saw three players make their mark in the international scene this year as Espejo and sisters Jaja Santiago and Dindin Santiago-Manabat were tapped as imports in Japan’s V. Premier League. Espejo is now playing for Oita Miyoshi Weiss Adler while Jaja and Dindin suit up for Saitama Ageo Medics and Toray Arrows, respectively. After 36 long years, the Philippines sent a women’s volleyball team to participate in the Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games. The squad won against Hong Kong in straight sets in pool play in the country’s first Asian Games victory since defeating India in the 1982 New Delhi Games. The PHI advanced in the quarterfinals but went home empty-handed. The Filipinas ended up at ninth place in the AVC Asian Cup. Sisi Rondina and Dzi Gervacio made waves in the country’s hosting of the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open after the duo barged in the quarterfinals. The tandem eventually bowed down to eventual champion Japan. The NU Bulldogs brought its bark into the international scene and howled its way to giving honor to country by winning the ASEAN University Games gold medal at the expense of Thailand. Volleyball proved to be the most talked about sport in the country as #UAAPSeason80Volleyball became the most tweeted sports hashtag in 2018. SMASHING WIN, BLAZING VICTORY Creamline became the most successful club in the Premier Volleyball League this year after winning its breakthrough Reinforced Conference crown before following it up with a title romp in the Open Conference. Alyssa Valdez finally ended a two-year title drought after leading the Cool Smashers to the Reinforced Conference throne. Creamline’s Michele Gumabao joined Binibining Pilipinas and represented the country im the 2018 Miss Globe in Albania, landing at the top 15. Petron lorded it over in the PSL after winning the Grand Prix and All-Filipino Conference titles at the expense of archrival F2 Logistics, which ruled the Invitational Conference. University of the Philippines ended a 36-year title drought by claiming the PVL Collegiate Conference championship and followed it up by reigning supreme in the PSL Collegiate Grand Slam The SiPons tandem of Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons of Petron annexed their second straight PSL Challenge Cup beach volleyball title. University of Perpetual Help reclaimed the NCAA men’s title after taking down Arellano University as the Altas bagged it 11th title overall. National University took back the title it lost last year in the UAAP boys’ tournament while De La Salle-Zobel bagged the girls’ mint. The Beach Volleyball Republic continued its advocacy of propagating the sport throughout the country. END OF THE ROAD After winning three straight UAAP titles, the Lady Spikers bid goodbye to its Big Three in Kim Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron and Dawn Macandili. Season 80 saw the end of the six-year Ateneo-DLSU Finals rivalry as the Lady Eagles bowed down to FEU in the semis. The Blue Eagles three-year reign ended at the hands of NU as Ateneo gave its farewell to its greatest men’s volleyball star Marck Espejo and prized setter Ish Povorosa. NU’s four-year domination in the girls’ division was snapped by DLS-Zobel. After a dry 2018 PVL season, Pocari Sweat parted ways with its franchise player Myla Pablo as newcomer Motolite agreed to buyout the hitter’s last three contract years. Thai coach Tai Bundit after five years and bringing two titles including a rare tournament sweep to the Lady Eagles finally called it quits after Ateneo’s campaign in UAAP Season 80. Creamline gave Bundit a farewell championship trophy in the PVL. A NEW BEGINNING It was a colorful 2018, indeed, for volleyball but 2019 is another promising year for the sport. Can the Lady Chiefs complete a three-peat in the NCAA? Newcomers are sure to bring more excitement and interest in the UAAP. DLSU will try to extend its reign for another season while NU is looking for a repeat crown in the men’s side. Another season for the PSL and the PVL will open while the national men’s and women’s team will highlight the country’s Southeast Asian Games hosting. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»

Undefeated University of Sto. Tomas gets an acid test Saturday in a showdown with another top contender Adamson University in the Premier Volleyball League Season 2 Collegiate Conference men's division at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. Action begins at 9:00 a.m. The Tigers sport a perfect 4-0 win-loss record at the top spot tied with National University. The duo of Joshua Umandal and Manuel Medina are playing consistent this conference, leading UST to an incredible winning run including a straight sets victory over College of St. Benilde week. The Falcons, meanwhile, hope to bounce back from a sorry five-set defeat at the hands of surging Far Eastern University last Wednesday. Adamson saw its four-game winning streak snapped to slide back at second place. In other games, University of the Philippines and NCAA champion University of Perpetual Help collide at 11:00 a.m. while CSB and winless Arellano University meet in the nightcap at 6:00 p.m. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»

Games Friday: (FilOil Flying V Centre, San Juan) 10:00 a.m. –- Letran vs. EAC (jrs. semis) 1:30 p.m. –- Arellano U vs Perpetual (m) 3:30 p.m. –- awarding ceremonies 4:00 p.m. –- Arellano U vs. San Beda (w) Experience versus hunger, dynasty against destiny. Reigning champion Arellano University begins its title defense on Friday when the Lady Chiefs clash with first-time finalist San Beda University in Game 1 of the best-of-three 93rd NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. Game time is at 4:00 p.m. after the individual awards rites at 3:30 p.m. The match will air live on ABS-CBN S+A Channel 23, ABS-CBN S+A HD Channel 166, LIGA on SkyCable Channel 86, LIGA HD on SkyCable Channel 183 and via livestream. Arellano U is on its third Finals appearance after stints in Season 90 and 92. The Lady Chiefs went on to win it all on both championship trips. The Legarda-based squad closed the eliminations with an 8-1 win-loss record tied with the Lady Red Spikers. Arellano U swept first-time semifinalists and Season Most Valuable Player Shola Alvarez-led Jose Rizal University, 25-13, 25-20, 25-17, in their sixth Final Four appearance. “Ni-remind ko lang sa mga players ko na ibigay na natin ang dapat nating ibigay pagdating sa Finals kasi ito na ‘yun eh, dumaan na tayo sa mahirap na mahirap na sitwasyon ‘wag na natin bigyan ng pagkakataon na maisahan tayo ng kalaban,” said Lady Chiefs coach Obet Javier. Arellano U will parade a solid roster led by graduating hitter Jovielyn Prado, Regine Arocha, Mary Anne Esguerra, Andrea Marzan and Rookie of the Year winner Necole Ebuen. The Lady Chiefs dominated San Beda in their elimination round meeting, 25-17, 25-10, 25-17, on Jan. 26 with Lady Red Spikers top hitter Cesca Racraquin limited to a season-low six points. But San Beda, which made history with a historic first championship appearance, is playing with nothing to lose and believes that the pressure is on the Lady Chiefs side as they try to avoid an upset against an upstart team. The Lady Red Spikers downed the Perpetual Help Lady Altas, 25-21, 25-15, 25-23, to book a championship berth. “I think kasi sa amin no pressure naman kasi ano pa lang naman kami, kami ang challenger,” said Racraquin. “So kailangan laruin lang namin (ang laro namin), relax lang kami and then sila nasa kanila ang pressure kasi sila gusto nila mag-back-to-back.” “Basta ‘yun lang relax lang kami, play our game and si God na ang bahala,” added Racraquin, who will be backed by the Viray twins Nieza and Jiezela, setter Rebecca Cuevas and Satrianni Espiritu. Game 2 is on Monday. Meanwhile, the unbeaten Altas begin their campaign to regain the crown they lost last year at the hands of College of St. Benilde in a best-of-three Finals showdown with the Chiefs. Perpetual, in search of its 11th title, swept the nine-game elims and earned an outright Finals berth while Arellano U dethroned the Blazers, 25-22, 28-26, 25-23, in the stepladder semis Tuesday. In juniors play, Emilio Aguinaldo College and Letran dispute the last Finals berth to challenge four-peat-seeking Perpetual Help at 10:00 a.m. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»

Defending champion Perpetual Help and Emilio Aguinaldo try to arrange a title showdown as they take on Arellano U and Letran, respectively, in the Final Four of the NCAA juniors volleyball tournament at Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan today......»»

San Beda University skipper Cesca Racraquin rehearsed in her mind Thursday how she would react if the Lady Red Spikers booked a historic first Finals ticket in the 93rd NCAA women’s volleyball competition. The Season 92 Rookie of the Year could only bellow a loud shout, shed tears, and cover her face as teammate Joycee Baluarte ran towards her for a tight hug after University of Perpetual Help hitter Jowie Albert Verzosa sent her attack straight to the net. The Mendiola-based squad wrote history Friday when it booted the Lady Altas out of the Final Four in dominating fashion, 25-21, 25-15, 25-23, at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. The best-of-three Finals series between San Beda and defending champions Arellano will begin on February 16. “Ecstatic, ecstatic talaga. Kagabi pa lang iniisip ko na anong magigig reaction ko kapag nanalo kami parang kagabi pa lang, actually buong araw kahapon, mina-mindset ko talaga ang game today,” said Racraquin, who scored all but one of her points off attacks while adding 12 excellent receptions. “Sobrang hindi ko ma-explain, euphoric ang feeling sobrang ‘Ahhh, di ako makapaniwala!’ Naiyak nga ako kanina,” added Racraquin, who led San Beda to its first championship stint since its volleyball program started back in 2007. Racraquin proved her leadership inside the court when she rallied her team from a 16-19 deficit to tie the frame at 21. Nieza Viray, who finished with 16 points, put San Beda up with a through-the-block kill followed by an error by Perpetual that pushed the Lady Red Spikers’ lead to 23-21. The Lady Altas tied the frame at 23 before Satrianni Espiritu scored on a quick kill to put San Beda at match point. The Lady Red Spikers claimed the first championship seat when Verzosa’s attack went low. “Sa amin naman sa loob ng court, hindi na kami bago sa mga crucial na situations kapag naglalaro. So thankful ako na lumabas lahat ng maturity naming, lahat kami,” said Racraquin. “Ang sabi ko lang sa kanila, ‘Guys one at a time lang, kailangan aggressive pa rin tayo hindi porket nanalo tayo sa two sets ibibigay na natin sa kanila ang third,” she added. “Kailangan receive pa rin tayo and depensa, block, lahat. Kailangan maging aggressive pa rin tayo sa lahat ng gagawin natin, hindi pa to tapos meron pa tayong isa pang set." --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»

Repeat-seeking College of St. Benilde needed the late game heroics of Isaah Arda to survive the claws of San Beda University, 25-16, 24-26, 25-19, 20-25, 20-18, Friday in the first phase of the knockout stepladder semifinals of the 93rd NCAA men’s volleyball competition at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. Hanging by their fingernails in their breakthrough crown they won via series sweep last year, the Blazers showed grit in the closing stretch of the fifth frame to save six match points before Arda took matters on his own hands with the closing off the block kill over Red Spikers’ Mark Enciso and John Carlo Santos. “Ipinakita namin yung mental toughness namin na kapag tumutok talaga kami sa game makukuha talaga namin yung goal namin. At the same time ipinakita rin namin ang heart of the champion,” said CSB coach Arnold Lanios, whose wards will take on Arellano University on Tuesday in a sudden death for the right to challenge unbeaten Perpetual Help in the best-of-three Finals. Arda scored all but one of his 23 points off attacks while Francis Basilan and Mark Orian added 19 and 16 markers, respectively, for the Taft-based squad. Setter Kevin Magsino had 51 excellent sets while birthday boy Aljan Dy had 22 excellent receptions and 14 digs, including the save on Adrian Viray’s attack that led to Arda’s winner. CSB squandered an 8-5 lead in the fifth set as San Beda University pushed at match point, 14-12. Orian scored on a runner before Basilan scored an ace to tie the frame at 14. The Red Spikers pushed at match point advantage five more times with their last at 18-17 on a kill by Enciso. Basilan tied it on an attack before Enciso committed a crucial attack error when he sent his kill wide to give CSB the match point advantage. Arda sealed it with his off the block hit. Enciso finished with 22 points all coming of kills, Limuel Patenio got 14 while Santos had 13 for the Mendiola-based squad. Meanwhile, Letran defeated CSB-La Salle Greenhills, 13-25, 25-23, 25-23, 20-25, 15-12, in their playoff match for the no. 4 spot. The Squires will face top seed and twice-to-beat defending champion Perpetual in the Final Four. No. 2 seed Emilio Aguinaldo College and Arellano U will meet in the other semis pairing. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles .....»»

Games Thursday: (FilOil Flying V Centre, San Juan) 8:00 a.m. –- Arellano U vs SSC-R (jrs) 9:30 a.m. –- Arellano U vs. SSC-R (m) 11:00 a.m. –- Arellano U vs. SSC-R (w) 12:30 p.m. –- CSB vs. Mapua (w) 2:00 p.m. –- CSB vs. Mapua (m) Defending champion and semifinals-bound Arellano University shoots for a bounce back win and a Final Four twice-to-beat advantage when the Lady Chiefs take on San Sebastian College on Thursday in the 93rd NCAA women’s volleyball competition at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. Opening serve of the rematch of last year's championship showdown is at 11:00 a.m. followed by the College of St. Benilde and Mapua University tussle at 12:30 p.m. The Lady Chiefs saw its 19-game winning streak that started in the elimination round of Season 92 stop to a screeching halt at the hands of the Lady Blazers, 21-25, 20-25, 25-19, 12-25, last Monday. Despite the loss, Arellano U still sits on top of standings alongside San Beda College with identical 7-1 win-loss records. A win by the Lady Chiefs will secure them the semis incentive while handing the other twice-to-beat advantage to the Lady Red Spikers. But it won’t be an easy task for the Obet Javier-mentored team. The Lady Stags are going to throw everything they got to avoid elimination and avenge their Finals loss last year when the Legarda-based squad swept the then thrice-to-beat SSC-R in three games. SSC-R sports a 5-3 slate tied with Jose Rizal University. The Lady Stags are coming off a 14-25, 22-25, 25-22, 18-25, defeat on Tuesday against San Beda. Another loss will put the Lady Stags’ semis hopes in a dangerous position and out of their hands. If SSC-R drops its last elims game, it must hope that JRU, University of Perpetual Help and CSB won’t reach six wins to force a playoff for the last semis berth. Meanwhile, the Lady Blazers try to solidify their Final Four bid with a good follow up win after their upset against the Lady Chiefs. CSB holds a 4-3 card and is heavily favored to win against the Lady Cardinals, who are winless in eight games and are on a 17-game skid. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»

Games Friday: (FilOil Flying V Centre, San Juan) 8:00 a.m. –- Arellano U vs San Beda (jrs) 9:30 a.m. –- Arellano U vs. San Beda (m) 11:00 a.m. –- Arellano U vs. San Beda (w) Defending champion Arellano University and San Beda College put their pristine records on the line when they clash for the first Final Four berth in the 93rd NCAA women’s volleyball competition at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan on Friday. Game time is at 11:00 a.m. The Lady Chiefs and Lady Red Spikers share the lead after hurdling their first six opponents heading into the marquee match that could serve as a preview of a possible Finals showdown. Arellano U is fresh from a character-building five-set win over University of Perpetual Help, 22-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 15-5, last Tuesday. The win pushed the Legarda-based squad’s winning streak to 18 straight since last season. The Obet Javier-mentored squad will bank on veterans Regine Arocha and Jovielyn Prado who are averaging 12.1 and 11 points per game, respectively. Arellano U will also pin its hopes on a crack support crew led by Andrea Marzan, Mary Anne Esguerra, setter Sarah Verutiao and rookie Necole Ebuen. “’Yung game namin sa San Beda ay napakaimportante kasi puwede nating masabi kung sino ‘yung makaka-sweep,” said Javier. The Lady Red Spikers are riding the crest of their best start in recent years. And SBC will be carrying the momentum of their great escape against the upset-conscious Lyceum of the Philippines University, 22-25, 19-25, 25-11, 25-17, 15-7, on Wednesday. Season 92 Rookie of the Year Cesca Racraquin, who is averaging 17.5 points per game and Nieza Viray, who normed with 15.5 markers per outing, will banner the Mendiola-based squad. Meanwhile, the Chiefs and Red Spikers, who share the second to fourth spots with defending champion College of St. Benilde with 5-1 slates, clash at 9:30 a.m. in the lone men’s match. In the juniors division, the Braves (1-3) challenge the winless Red Cubs (0-4) at 8:00 a.m. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles .....»»

Games Tuesday: (FilOil Flying V Centre, San Juan) 9:30 a.m. – SSC-R vs. Mapua (m) 11:00 a.m. –- SSC-R vs. Mapua (w) 12:30 p.m. –- Arellano U vs. Perpetual (w) 2:00 p.m. –- Arellano U vs. Perpetual (m) 3:30 p.m. –- Arellano U vs. Perpetual (jrs) Defending champion Arellano University shoots to secure at least a semifinals spot playoff in a showdown with University of Perpetual Help Tuesday in the 93rd NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. Game time is at 12:30 p.m. The Lady Chiefs are unbeaten in five games and share the hold of the lead with San Beda College. The Obet Javier-mentored squad is on a 17-game winning roll since last season. Behind the troika of Jovielyn Prado, Regine Arocha and rookie Necole Ebuen, Arellano U made short work of Lyceum of the Philippines University, 25-16, 25-17, 25-11, last Sunday. But the Lady Chiefs are expected to have a tougher time against the Lady Altas, who are looking for their fourth straight win. The Las Pinas-based squad is currently at solo third spot with a 4-1 win-loss slate. After absorbing a straight sets defeat at the hands of San Beda College, Perpetual crushed their next three opponents including a 25-21, 22-25, 25-14, 25-21, demolition of Jose Rizal University last Sunday. Meanwhile, San Sebastian College seeks to score its second straight win and improve its 2-2 slate The Lady Stags are favored to win against the Lady Cardinals, who are winless in four outings. Mapua absorbed a 23-25, 14-25, 25-22, 15-25, defeat at the hands of the Lady Red Spikers last Friday. The Lady Cardinals are now on a 13-game losing slump. In men’s play, Perpetual and Arellano U put their unblemished record and hold of the lead on the line in their 2:00 p.m. tussle with the winner securing at least a semifinals berth playoff. The Altas and Chiefs share the lead with 5-0 cards. The Stags (1-3) and Cardinals (2-2) clash in the curtain-raiser at 9:30 a.m. In the lone juniors match, the Junior Altas eye to bounce back from a straight sets setback the last time out against Emilio Aguinaldo College in their 3:30 p.m. match with the Braves. Perpetual sports a 3-1 card while Arellano only has one win in three outings. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles .....»»

Games Sunday: (FilOil Flying V Centre, San Juan) 8:00 a.m. –- LPU vs. Perpetual (jrs) 9:30 a.m. -- LPU vs. Perpetual (m) 11 a.m. –- LPU vs. Perpetual (w) 12:30 p.m. -- EAC vs. Arellano (w) 2:00 p.m. -- EAC vs Arellano (m) 3:30 p.m. – EAC vs. Arellano (jrs) After a dominating win to open its title-retention bid, Arellano University looks to take an early solo lead on Sunday when the Lady Chiefs take on Emilio Aguinaldo College in the 93rd NCAA women’s volleyball competition. Game time is at 12:30 p.m. at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. Behind Regine Arocha’s 12-point outing and superb debut of transferee setter Sarah Verutiao, the Lady Chiefs easily hurdled Mapua University, 25-10, 25-17, 25-13, Thursday that extended Arellano U’s winning streak to 13 since their championship run last season. Although the Lady Chiefs are heavily favored to prevail over the Lady Generals, who lost to an eight-woman San Sebastian College, 16-25, 19-25, 16-25, in the season-opener, head coach Obet Javier is not taking EAC lightly. “Sa EAC ganoon din bago ang coach nakita ko medyo may konting adjustments sila. Kasi nakita ko noong liga namin sa Founder’s Cup, nakita ko na rin ang position ng player,” said Javier, who steered Arellano to its second title in three years last season in a Finals sweep of the thrice-to-beat Grethcel Soltones-led Lady Stags. “Nakita ko kanina (against San Sebastian College) na mayroon silang kaunting adjustments ng player so sinabi ko sa team na kailangang paghandaan namin,” he added. Verutiao, who had 28 excellent sets as backup to injured playmaker Rhea Ramirez, is expected to deliver the same numbers to utilize the firepower of Arocha, Jovelyn Prado, Mary Anne Esguerra and middle Andrea Marzan. The Lady Generals will pin their hopes on Ladeisheen Magbanua, Jaylene Lumbo and Yvette Tongco. Meanwhile, Perpetual Help will try to give new coach Macky Carino a good welcome gift when the Lady Altas clash with Lyceum of the Philippines University at 11:00 a.m. Carino, who resigned from his post as College of St. Benilde coach a few months back, will bank on Lourdes Clemente, Cindy Imbo and setter Necelle Gual. The Lady Pirates will have to look for other scoring options with top hitter Cherilyn Sindayen skipping this season because of academics. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»

Exciting volleyball action starts early this year as NCAA opens its 93rd season on Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. Arellano University will try to retain its women’s crown against a field filled with squad’s raring to sit on the throne. Let’s take a quick peek at the competing teams. MAPUA UNIVERSITY LADY CARDINALS Winless last year, can Mapua University finally put a stop on their skid? Season 92 record: 0-9 Titles: none Key players: Danielle Ramilo, Shaira Hermano, Katrina Racelis, Dianne Latayan This team has nowhere to go but up after a forgettable season last year. The Lady Cardinals lost four of their games in straight sets, three in four frames and a couple of matches in five. Mapua’s last victory was against Letran in five sets back in Season 91 (January 7, 2016). EMILIO AGUINALDO COLLEGE LADY GENERALS Emilio Aguinaldo College needs to be consistent to add more Ws in their record this season. Season 92 record: 1-8 Titles: none Players to watch: Iona Yongco and Yvette Tongco EAC’s lone win last season came at the expense of Mapua in straight sets before closing their campaign with a five-set loss against Letran. LETRAN LADY KNIGHTS Can Letran contend for a spot in the Final Four this year? Season 92 record: 2-7 Titles: 8 (last title: 1999) Players to watch: Glayssa Faith Torres and Jaymeleene Parin Letran finished at eighth spot last year. They won only two games, against Mapua and EAC, but gave Lyceum, College of St. Benilde and San Sebastian College a scare before bowing down to these powerhouse teams in five sets. JOSE RIZAL U LADY BOMBERS Shola Alvarez is expected to carry Jose Rizal University on her shoulders but will need to get support from her teammates. Season 92 record: 3-6 Titles: none Players to watch: Shola Alvarez, Dolly Versoza, Karen Montojo (Season 92 Best Opposite Spiker) JRU is a young and vertically challenged team, mostly banking on Shola Alvarez for point production. The Lady Bombers joined the PVL’s Collegiate Conference during the offseason but lost all of their five matches. LYCEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES U LADY PIRATES Lyeum of the Philippines University is considered as a darkhorse this season. Season 92 record: 5-4 Titles: none Players to watch: Cherilyn Sindayen, Christine Miralles, Bien Juanillo An intact and veteran-laden team. But will the Lady Pirates’ exposure in the PVL Collegiate Conference be enough for them to contend for a spot in the Final Four? UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP LADY ALTAS Veteran Lourdes Clemente will be one of Perpetual Help's vital cogs in their campaign to reclaim the throne. Season 92 record: 5-4 Titles: 3 (last title: 2014) Players to watch: Lourdes Clemente, Necelle Gual, Marijo Medalla Former CSB coach Macky Carino replaced long-time mentor Sammy Acaylar but the Lady Altas lost a solid middle in Coleen Bravo and hitter Jamela Suyat. After its three-peat (2012-14), Perpetual has yet to return to the Finals. SAN BEDA COLLEGE LADY RED SPIKERS All eyes will be on Cesca Racraquin when San Beda College makes a run for the crown. Season 92 record: 6-3 Titles: none Players to watch: Cesca Racraquin, Satrianni Espiritu, Nieza and Jiezela Viray Season 92 Rookie of the Year Cesca Racraquin will be the go-to guy of the Lady Red Spikers, who made it into the stepladder semis last year. SBC participated in the PVL Collegiate Conference while Racraquin had good stints in the PVL Reinforced and Open conferences for Creamline. COLLEGE OF ST. BENILDE LADY BLAZERS Ranya Musa (left) and Rachel Austero are the players to watch for a beefed up College of St. Benilde. Season 92 record: 6-3 Titles: 1 (2016) Players to watch: Ranya Musa, Rachel Austero, Maritess Pablo, Felicia Cui Expectations are high for this team with the arrival of transferees Maritess Pablo (NU) and Felicia Cui (Ateneo) to help Rachel Austero and graduating player Ranya Musa. Leadership will be a tough challenge for this team after the departure of ace scorer Jeanette Panaga as well as adapting to a new system under interim head coach Arnold Laniog, who replaced Macky Carino. SAN SEBASTIAN COLLEGE LADY STAGS San Sebastian College is looking at a rough and bumpy road ahead this season. Season 92 record: 9-0 elims, defeated thrice in the Finals Titles: 23 (last title: 2011) Players to watch: Joyce Sta. Rita, Alyssa Eroa, Nikka Dalisay The most-decorated volleyball program in the NCAA will be facing its toughest season yet. If losing scorers three-time Most Valuable Player Grethcel Soltones and Kat Villegas weren’t enough, head coach Roger Goreyab will have at his disposal a very short rotation on nine players. But his available players could even go down entering the season after Julie Anne Tiangco suffered a knee injury recently. Scarcity of players even forced SSC-R to field a swimmer to fill in the required minimun of nine players to be able to participate in the tournament. ARELLANO UNIVERSITY LADY CHIEFS Who will stop Arellano University from its back-to-back bid? Season 92 record: 8-1, won thrice in a row in the Finals Titles: 2 (last title: 2017) Players to watch: Jovielyn Prado, Regine Arocha, Andrea Marzan The Lady Chiefs lost Rialen Sante and veteran libero Eunice Galang, who both graduated, after last season but will still parade a grizzled core. Fueled by their stints in the PVL including a third place finish in the Collegiate League at the expense of UAAP team Adamson University, Arellano U is expected to make a return trip into the Finals. With SSC-R, the only team to defeat the Obet Javier-mentored squad last year, weakened after the departure of Soltones, the only question now is who will stop the Lady Chiefs’ impending rampage? --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»

American imports Hillary Hurley and Lindsay Stalzer came out with all guns blazing as they led Petron to a return stint in the Finals. The duo delivered the goods to help the Blaze Spikers dethrone two-time champion Foton in a hard-earned 30-28, 21-25, 25-23, 25-21, win in the knockout Final Four of the of the 2017 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday. Petron set up a best-of-three Finals showdown against F2 Logistics starting Tuesday in a rematch of this season’s All-Filipino Conference championship won by the Cargo Movers. Stalzer pumped in 25 points while Hurley got 24 markers as the duo combined for 43 of the Blaze Spikers' 55 attacks in a win that served as a payback for Petron's Grand Prix losses in the previous two editions against Foton. “Laging maganda 'yung laban, sobrang thankful talaga kami kasi nu’ng last year na first time ko nag-coach ng Grand Prix, sila rin 'yung kalaban namin sa finals and hindi kami nanalo sa kanila. Kung baga sa amin, parang napakalaking achievement ngayon na nag-knockout game kami and kami ‘yung nanalo,” said Petron coach Shaq Delos Santos. Rhea Dimaculangan tallied 23 excellent sets whille Japanese libero Yuri Fukuda had 23 digs for the Blaze Spikers. Stalzer, who led Foton to back-to-back crowns before transferring to Petron, posted nine digs and six excellent receptions. The Blaze Spikers went behind early in the first set before mounting a great comeback. Foton equalized in the second frame but Petron found second wind in the third and fourth. The Tornadoes, which will take on Cocolife in a sudden death battle for bronze, made a final push in the fourth frame to close a 17-24 deficit to 21-24 but Dindin Santiago-Manabat overcooked her service to surrender the match and their throne. Jaja Santiago finished with 23 points off 17 kills, four kill blocks and a pair of aces while Serbian Sara Klisura had 22 for Foton. Montenegrin reinforcement Dragana Perunicic scored 13 markers while Maika Ortiz chipped in eight for the Tornadoes. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»

No sweep. San Beda University denied two-time defending champion Arellano University an outright Finals berth after the Lady Red Spikers snapped the Lady Chiefs’ eight-game winning run, 16-25, 25-17, 25-19, 18-25, 16-14, Tuesday in the NCAA Season 94 women’s volleyball competition at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. The Lady Red Spikers stopped the Lady Chiefs right on their tracks to close the elimination round in a three-way tie at 8-1 win-loss record with their victims and College of St. Benilde. San Beda’s win put the semifinals in the usual Final Four format with the Lady Blazers and Arellano U taking the top two seeds and twice-to-beat incentives. The Lady Red Spikers will take on the Lady Chiefs in the Final Four starting Tuesday. CSB, which by virtue of superior quotient took the top seed, will still have to wait for its semis opponent between University of Perpetual Help (5-3) and Jose Rizal University (4-4). “Malaki sa amin ito kasi pampa-boost din ng morale para sa mga bata. Nakita namin na yung pinaghihirapan namin may resulta na maganda,” said San Beda coach Nemesio Gavino of the win in the rematch of last year' championship series. The Lady Red Spikers saved a match point off a block by Satrianni Espiritu on Necole Ebuen for a 14-14 tie. Jeziela Viray scored on another kill block before Nieza Viray sealed the crucial Lady Red Spikers win with an off the block. Nieza Viray finished with 17 points with all but 16 coming off attacks and 19 digs while skipper Cesca Racraquin posted 16 markers, 15 digs and 10 excellent receptions for an all-around play for San Beda. The Lady Red Spikers recovered from a 0-3 hole in the fifth set and even took a 13-12 lead off a net touch by Arellano U opposite hitter Regine Arocha. Princess Bello tied it at 13 before Ebuen scored on a crosscourt hit to put the Lady Chiefs at match point. Ebuen saw her 23-point effort go down the drain while Bello and Arocha got 12 and 10, respectively, for Arellano U. Meanwhile, the Chiefs sealed the third seed in the semifinals after beating the Red Spikers, 17-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-16, in men’s play. Jesrael Liberato and Christian Segovia finished with 18 and 16 points, respectively, for Arellano U, who finished their elimination round campaign with a 7-2 card. Christian Dela Paz added 11 markers for the Chiefs. Skipper Angelo Torres got 13 markers in his swan song for San Beda, which closed their emotional elims campaign at 2-7 just three days after the passing of Red Spikers head coach Nes Pamilar. In the juniors division, Arellano U defeated San Beda, 25-15, 25-21, 23-25, 25-19, to close the elims in a three-way tie at fourth spot. The Braves sealed their season with a 5-4 record tied with College of St. Benilde-LSGH and Emilio Aguinaldo College. The Brigadiers by virtue of superior quotient occupied the semis no. 4 berth. The Red Cubs finished their campaign winless in nine outings. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»

Even before stepping inside the court of the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan Tuesday against defending two-time champion Arellano University, San Beda University was already in a difficult situation. Win or lose, the Lady Red Spikers were already locked in a handicapped spot at third seed whether the NCAA Season 94 women’s volleyball competition goes on a Final Four or a stepladder semis format. If San Beda wins there will be a Final Four and they will still face the twice-to-beat Lady Chiefs. If Arellano U prevails, the Lady Chiefs will need to win in the first phase of the stepladder semis for the right to take on College of St. Benilde for the last Finals seat. Either way, San Beda was at a disadvantage. “Sa totoo lang sa team namin parang napa-isip kami kung ano bang mas maganda? Pilitin namin manalo or bigay na lang namin ‘yung game kasi parang pareho lang naman,” said skipper Cesca Racraquin. The Lady Red Spikes chose to protect their pride. “Pero sabi namin, hindi, para sa atin din ‘to. Para sa pride natin ‘to, San Beda tayo e,” Racraquin said. San Beda snapped the Lady Chiefs’ eight-game winning streak with a hard-earned 16-25, 25-17, 25-19, 18-25, 16-14, victory that force a three-way tie at 8-1 win-loss record tied with its victim and CSB. The Lady Blazers end up as the top seeds in the Final Four by virtue of superior quotient. San Beda’s win didn’t change the fact that the Mendiola-based squad still need to beat the Lady Chiefs twice in the Final Four. But for the Lady Red Spikers, it was the morale-boost they need to have heading into the semis Tuesday. “Malaki sa amin ito kasi pampa-boost din ng morale para sa mga bata. Nakita namin na yung pinaghihirapan namin may resulta na maganda,” said San Beda coach Nemesio Gavino, whose squad won all of its three five-set games in the elims. The Lady Red Spikers recovered from a 0-3 hole in the fifth set and even took a 13-12 lead off a net touch by Arellano U opposite hitter Regine Arocha. Princess Bello tied it at 13 before Necole Ebuen scored on a crosscourt hit to put the Lady Chiefs at match point. The Lady Red Spikers saved a match point off a block by Satrianni Espiritu on Ebuen for a 14-14 tie. Jeziela Viray scored on another kill block before Nieza Viray sealed the crucial Lady Red Spikers win with an off the block hit. CSB will face in the semis the winner between Jose Rizal University and University of Perpetual Help on Thursday. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»

Arellano University overcame a faulty start and turned back Perpetual Help, 18-25, 25-16, 25-19, 26-24, yesterday to step on the threshold of sweeping its way straight to the finals in the women’s division of the 94th NCAA volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan......»»

Only two teams stand in the way of defending two-time champion Arellano University's drive to claim an outright Finals berth in the NCAA Season 94 women’s volleyball competition. On Thursday, the unbeaten Lady Chiefs will take on the first of their last two elimination round assignments in University of Perpetual Help at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. Game time is at 2:00 p.m. and will air via livestream. Arellano U sports a 7-0 win-loss record and are two wins away from securing the first best-of-three championship berth. "Pipilitin namin. Siyempre, gusto naming makasiguro na, yun sa Finals nga. Pipilitin naming manalo sa dalawang games na natitira,” said head coach Obet Javier, whose squad will close the elims against San Beda University in a rematch of last year’s Finals on Tuesday. “Kailangan sa game namin sa Perpetual, manalo kami, at lalong-lalo na 'yung sa San Beda. Pipilitin namin 'yung (elims) sweep na makamit," added Javier. The Lady Chiefs crushed Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-19, 25-11, 25-8, the last time out to continue their winning romp. But it won’t be an easy match this time as Arellano U will contend against a team which is making its final push to clinch one of the last two semifinals berths. The Lady Altas are riding on the crest of their three-game winning streak and are carrying a 4-2 slate. Arellano U and San Beda University (7-1) occupied the first two Final Four seats. In case the Lady Chiefs, who will face San Beda on Tuesday, complete an elimination round sweep, Arellano will automatically advance in the Finals while the next three teams will battle in a knockout stepladder semis. Meanwhile, eliminated teams Letran (1-6) and Mapua (1-6) battle at 12:00 noon. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»

San Beda University occupied the second Final Four seat after sweeping San Sebastian College, 25-20, 25-15, 25-18, Tuesday in the NCAA Season 94 women’s volleyball competition at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. The Lady Red Spikers advanced to the semis for the third straight year to join defending two-time champion Arellano University. Skipper Cesca Racraquin finished with 14 points off 12 attacks and two aces while adding seven excellent receptions for San Beda, which needed only 64 minutes to win their second in a row. The Lady Red Spikers erased a 7-4 deficit early in the third set with a 9-2 rally to take back the control of the frame and send the Lady Stags reeling to their second straight defeat. “Bago mag-umpisa ang game kanina sinabihan ko ang mga bata na i-secure namin ang Final Four, kailangan naming ipanalo ang game na ito and then saka namin isipin ang susunod na mangyayari,” said San Beda coach Nemesio Gavino, whose squad will close its elims campaign against the Lady Chiefs next week. “Di ko in-expect na ganyan ang mangyayari na straight sets,” added Gavino. “Siguro nagawa lang namin ng tama ang tini-training namin, nai-apply namin kaya nakuha namin ng madali ang game.” Trisha Paras and Nieza Viray added nine markers while Lynne Matias tallied 29 excellent sets for the Mendiola-based squad. SSC-R failed to recover from a straight sets loss to Jose Rizal University last week to start the new year as the Lady Stags slid to 4-3 mark. SSC-R is in danger of missing the semis cut for the second straight season. Joyce Sta. Rita got nine points for the Lady Stags while Nikka Dalisay and Maryrhose Dapol scored eight and seven, respectively. The road for SSC-R will get bumpier as it will take on streaking College of St. Benilde on Friday before ending the elims against University of Perpetual Help next week. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles .....»»